What were Denis Diderot's beliefs?

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Quick Answer

According to NewEncyclopedia.org, Denis Diderot had multiple beliefs. He believed "that all knowledge could be acquired through scientific experimentation and the exercise of reason." He also believed in the "value and uniqueness in individuals." Diderot also believed that "different individuals should be judged by different moral standards according to their circumstances." Another belief was that children should be taught based on their individual talent instead of as a whole.

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Denis Diderot was originally a Roman Catholic, but strayed away from Catholicism to establish and encourage the beliefs he felt were important. Several disagreed and considered him a rebel. During his era of 1713 to 1784, doing such an act was considered an act of atheism and not of God. Regardless of the opinions of Diderot, he represented a time frame of elite philosophers who challenged the norm and thought from an individual standpoint. He was known for challenging the status quo and pointing out several contradictions during his time. His work stood the test of time because of his credible backing and dedication to researching and supporting his beliefs. He helped pioneer several modern-day concepts of philosophy, creativity and outside-the-box thinking. According to NewEncyclopedia.org, it was noted that Diderot, in his writing, "promoted the idea that all human beings had equal value and the right to certain freedoms."